The Central & North Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee was scheduled to consider several planning applications, including a variation of hours for Bierton Crematorium and proposals for extensions and conversions at properties in Hulcott and Hardwick. The meeting's agenda focused on planning decisions for individual sites.

Bierton Crematorium, Cane End Lane, Bierton, Buckinghamshire HP22 5BH

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application to vary condition 6 of a previous planning permission for Bierton Crematorium. This variation would allow for an extension to the crematorium's hours of operation. The original condition restricted funeral services to between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on weekdays, with earlier and shorter hours on Saturdays and no services on Sundays or bank holidays. The proposed change would extend weekday operating hours to between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. The report indicated that this application was referred to the committee because Bierton Crematorium is owned by Buckinghamshire Council, requiring a transparent determination process. The recommendation was for approval, subject to conditions.

1 The Green, Hulcott, Buckinghamshire HP22 5AX

Two applications concerning the property at 1 The Green, Hulcott, were scheduled for discussion.

Proposed garage and store (PL/25/5428/FA)

This application sought full planning permission for the erection of a double garage and store. The proposed structure was described as a large, timber-clad building with a clay-tiled roof, measuring 6.6 metres in depth and approximately 10.3 metres in width, with an overall height of 6 metres. The report noted that the site is within the Hulcott Conservation Area and affects the setting of several listed buildings. The officer's recommendation was for refusal, citing concerns about the design, siting, and scale of the garage, which was considered to be an unduly urbanising form of development detrimental to the character of the area. Issues regarding flood risk and potential impacts on ecology, trees, and hedgerows were also raised.

Proposed demolition of the existing single-storey side extension and erection of a new two-storey side extension incorporating a linking element, together with the removal of existing outbuildings (PL/25/5427/FA)

This application sought planning permission for the demolition of an existing single-storey side extension and the construction of a new two-storey side extension, along with the removal of existing outbuildings. The proposed two-storey extension was described as measuring 13.49 metres in depth and approximately 7.3 metres in width, with an overall height of 8.3 metres. The report highlighted that the property is a Non-Designated Heritage Asset within the Hulcott Conservation Area, and the proposal would affect the setting of nearby listed buildings. The officer's recommendation was for refusal, primarily due to concerns about the scale and design of the proposed extension, which was considered to be a bulky addition that would overwhelm the host dwelling and be detrimental to the character of the property and the wider conservation area. The report also mentioned concerns regarding protected species and flood risk.

Portway, Buckingham Road, Hardwick, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4EF

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for the conversion of two houses, 'Portway' and 'Annexe', into a single dwelling. The proposal also included various extensions: a first-floor side extension, a double-storey infill extension between the two dwellings, a double-storey rear extension, a roof extension over an existing double-storey side structure, a front bay window, and the conversion of the two existing houses into one. The site is located in the open countryside within the Quainton-Wing Hills Area of Attractive Landscape. The report noted that the applicant is related to a Ward Councillor, which necessitated the application being determined by the committee to ensure openness and transparency. The recommendation was for refusal, citing concerns about the significant increase in bulk and mass of the proposed extensions, which were considered to overwhelm the existing dwellings and be detrimental to the character and appearance of the host properties, the area, and the landscape. The loss of a dwellinghouse at a time when the council could not demonstrate a five-year housing land supply was also noted as a negative consideration.